How Great Thou Art Lyrics: Meaning And Story Behind The Hymn
How Great Thou Art is a powerful and beloved hymn that has resonated with Christians around the world for generations. Its soaring melody and profound lyrics evoke a sense of awe and wonder at God's creation and His great love. In this article, we'll explore the complete lyrics to this timeless hymn, delve into its fascinating history, and unpack the rich meaning behind its words.
How Great Thou Art Lyrics
Here are the full lyrics to How Great Thou Art, a song that beautifully expresses the awe and wonder of God's creation and love:
Verse 1
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Chorus
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee: How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 2
When through the woods and forest glades I wander I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
Chorus
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee: How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 3
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin;
Chorus
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee: How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 4
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim, My God, how great Thou art!
Chorus
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee: How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
The History of How Great Thou Art
The journey of How Great Thou Art from a simple poem to a globally recognized hymn is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of its message. The song's origins can be traced back to a Swedish poem written in 1885 by Carl Gustav Boberg, a Swedish preacher and politician. Boberg, inspired by a powerful experience of nature's grandeur, penned the words that would eventually form the foundation of the hymn.
Boberg's original poem, titled "O Store Gud" (O Great God), captured the awe-inspiring beauty of creation and the profound love of God. It wasn't initially written as a hymn but rather as a reflection on God's majesty. The poem was later published in a Swedish Christian periodical, where it caught the attention of many.
The poem's transformation into a hymn began when it was set to a Swedish folk melody. This pairing gave the words a musical voice, making them more accessible and singable. Over the years, the hymn spread throughout Scandinavia and into other parts of Europe, gaining popularity in various Christian communities.
The hymn's journey to English-speaking audiences began in 1925 when it was translated into German by Manfred Claesson. This translation further broadened the hymn's reach, introducing it to a new audience. However, the version we sing today is largely attributed to the English translation by Stuart K. Hine, a British Methodist missionary.
Hine encountered the Swedish hymn while ministering in Ukraine in the 1930s. He was deeply moved by the song's message and melody, and he began working on an English translation. Hine's translation wasn't a direct word-for-word rendition but rather a creative adaptation that captured the spirit and essence of the original poem while making it relatable to English-speaking congregations. He not only translated the existing verses but also added his own fourth verse, which speaks of Christ's return and the joy of eternal life.
Stuart Hine's version of "How Great Thou Art" gained popularity in the English-speaking world after he and his wife began singing it at their evangelistic meetings during World War II. The hymn's message of hope and God's greatness resonated deeply with people during a time of global turmoil. It provided comfort and reassurance, reminding them of God's unwavering presence and power.
The hymn's popularity continued to grow in the post-war era. It was adopted by various denominations and included in numerous hymnals. However, it was George Beverly Shea's performance of the song at the 1957 Billy Graham Crusade in New York City that catapulted "How Great Thou Art" to international fame. Shea's powerful rendition touched the hearts of millions and solidified the hymn's place as a beloved classic.
Today, How Great Thou Art is sung in countless churches and Christian gatherings around the world. It has been translated into numerous languages and continues to inspire and uplift people of all backgrounds. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound message: a celebration of God's greatness and love, expressed through the beauty of creation and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The hymn's history is a testament to the power of music and faith to transcend cultural boundaries and unite people in worship.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
Each verse of "How Great Thou Art" offers a unique perspective on God's greatness and love. Let's dive deeper into the meaning behind these powerful lyrics:
Verse 1: Awe and Wonder in Creation
The opening verse sets the stage for the entire hymn, immersing us in a state of awe and wonder at God's creation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the vastness of the universe, from the stars in the sky to the rolling thunder. When we consider the immensity and complexity of the cosmos, it's natural to feel a sense of humility and recognize the unparalleled power of the Creator. This verse encourages us to reflect on the tangible evidence of God's handiwork in the world around us, reminding us that His power is constantly on display.
The phrase "When I in awesome wonder" is key to understanding the emotional core of the song. It's not just about intellectual recognition of God's power but also about a deeply felt sense of awe and reverence. This emotional response is what fuels the song's powerful message. The verse connects the observable wonders of the universeâstars and thunderâdirectly to God's creative power. This connection is crucial because it personalizes the vastness of the universe. It's not just an abstract concept but a direct manifestation of God's power. The lines "Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made" and "Thy power throughout the universe displayed" emphasize the personal and active role of God in creation. It's not a distant, impersonal force but a divine being who actively shaped the cosmos.
This verse serves as an invitation to look beyond the mundane and see the divine artistry in the natural world. It's a reminder that the universe itself is a testament to God's greatness. This sense of awe is a foundational element of faith, driving us to worship and acknowledge the greatness of the one who made it all.
Verse 2: The Beauty of Nature
This verse shifts our focus from the grand scale of the universe to the intimate beauty of nature. Walking through forests and glades, listening to birdsong, gazing at mountain vistas, feeling a gentle breeze â these are all experiences that can evoke a sense of peace and connection with the divine. This verse highlights God's presence in the small, everyday wonders of the world. The verse expands the scope of God's greatness from the cosmic to the intimate. While the first verse focused on the vastness of the universe, this one brings the divine presence down to earth, into the everyday experiences of nature. This contrast highlights that God's greatness isn't just about power and scale but also about beauty and detail.
Each element mentionedâwoods, forest glades, birdsong, mountains, brooks, breezesâis a specific aspect of nature that can evoke a sense of peace and wonder. The act of wandering through nature is itself a contemplative experience, allowing for reflection and connection with the divine. The sensory detailsâhearing the birds, feeling the breezeâmake the experience immediate and personal. It's not just about seeing nature but about engaging with it through all the senses. This verse is an invitation to find God in the simplicity and beauty of the natural world. It suggests that moments of peace in nature can be moments of profound spiritual connection. The gentle breeze, in particular, can be seen as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit, a subtle yet powerful presence.
By focusing on the beauty and peace found in nature, this verse broadens the understanding of God's greatness. It's not just about power and majesty but also about the artistry and care evident in creation. This verse encourages us to appreciate the natural world as a tangible expression of God's character, fostering a sense of gratitude and connection.
Verse 3: The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ
The third verse turns our attention to the ultimate expression of God's love: the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This verse speaks of the unfathomable act of God sending His Son to die for our sins. The lyrics acknowledge the difficulty in fully comprehending such a profound act of love and sacrifice. The verse marks a significant shift from creation to redemption. While the first two verses celebrate God's greatness through the beauty of the natural world, this verse focuses on the depth of God's love as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The line "And when I think that God, His Son not sparing" captures the immense cost of redemption. It highlights that God's love isn't just a feeling but an active, sacrificial choice. The phrase "scarce can take it in" reflects the human struggle to fully grasp the magnitude of God's sacrifice. It acknowledges the mystery and profoundness of divine love. The imagery of Christ bearing our burdens and dying on the cross is central to Christian theology. This act of sacrifice is seen as the ultimate expression of God's love and the means of atonement for sin. The emphasis on Christ's willingness to bear our sins highlights the personal nature of salvation. It's not just a transaction but a loving exchange where Christ takes on our burdens.
This verse is a powerful reminder of the personal and sacrificial nature of God's love. It encourages reflection on the depth of grace and the profound impact of Christ's sacrifice on humanity. It connects the awe and wonder of creation with the awe and gratitude for redemption, showing two facets of God's greatness.
Verse 4: Hope and Adoration
The final verse looks forward to the second coming of Christ and the joy of eternal life. It speaks of a time when believers will bow in humble adoration and proclaim God's greatness. This verse is filled with hope and anticipation, offering a glimpse of the ultimate fulfillment of faith. This verse shifts the focus from the present to the future, offering a vision of hope and ultimate fulfillment. It speaks of the second coming of Christ and the believer's entrance into eternal life.
The phrase "When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation" evokes a sense of triumph and victory. It's a picture of Christ's glorious return, marking the culmination of salvation history. The anticipation of being taken home and the joy that will fill the heart highlights the hope of eternal life. It's a promise of reunion with God and the fulfillment of all things. Bowing in humble adoration signifies the appropriate response to God's greatness and majesty. It's an act of worship and submission in the presence of the divine. Proclaiming "My God, how great Thou art!" is the ultimate affirmation of faith and gratitude. It's a declaration of God's surpassing greatness, echoing the chorus of the hymn.
This verse provides a hopeful conclusion, tying together the themes of creation, redemption, and future glory. It reinforces the hymn's central message of God's greatness, inviting believers to anticipate the fulfillment of their faith with joy and adoration. It serves as a reminder that the Christian life is not just about the present but about the eternal hope found in Christ.
Chorus: A Soul's Exclamation
The chorus, repeated after each verse, is the heart and soul of the hymn. It's a powerful declaration of praise and adoration: "Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art!" This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the emotional response to God's greatness, expressing a deep sense of gratitude and love. The chorus serves as the emotional and theological anchor of the hymn. It's a direct response to the reflections in each verse, turning observation and thought into heartfelt praise.
The phrase "Then sings my soul" emphasizes the depth of the response. It's not just a mental assent but a full-hearted expression of worship. Addressing God as "My Saviour God" personalizes the relationship. It's a recognition of God's saving work and a declaration of personal faith. The repetition of "How great Thou art" reinforces the central theme of the hymn. It's a simple yet profound statement of God's surpassing greatness and majesty.
By repeating the chorus after each verse, the hymn creates a rhythm of reflection and response. It invites the singer to internalize the truths of each verse and express their gratitude and adoration to God. The chorus serves as a unifying element, tying together the different facets of God's greatnessâcreation, redemption, and future hopeâinto a single, powerful declaration of praise.
How Great Thou Art: A Timeless Hymn
"How Great Thou Art" is more than just a song; it's an anthem of faith, a celebration of God's boundless love, and a reminder of His awesome power. Its lyrics invite us to reflect on the wonders of creation, the sacrifice of Christ, and the hope of eternal life. Itâs a hymn that resonates with people across cultures and generations, offering comfort, inspiration, and a profound sense of connection with the divine.
So, guys, the next time you hear or sing "How Great Thou Art", remember the rich history and meaning behind these powerful words. Let the lyrics fill your heart with awe and gratitude for the greatness of our God!
